It has been a week, folks. My strength, my will, my beliefs, and not to mention my stomach have been tested over and over. While I consider myself pretty adaptable, I believe I have found my match in Senegal. At my lowest point, when the electricity went out and my beloved fan bit the dust, I even questioned my choice in coming here. Why Senegal? Why CIEE? Why pick a country whose neighbor is the actual Sahara Desert? I reminded myself I chose this program and this country for very specific reasons.
Firstly, I have the travel bug and I have it bad. Thanks to Mom and Dad I have a passion for immersing myself in cultures and languages unfamiliar to me. In Cesar Chavez’s wise words: “preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” My personal opinion on the tragedies of today’s world is that they stem from people’s inability to accept that our differences are not wrong, but fascinating. Our differences allow us to do the very thing we do best: innovate, progress, and survive.
Secondly, Africa is pretty cool if you didn’t know already. Mankind began in Africa therefore; we all come from this beautiful land. What is even more amazing? There are more differences between say, Senegalese Africans and Algerian Africans than Africans and white Americans. Talk about ironic when it comes to the subject of racism. After visiting Kenya my sophomore year of high school, I could not wait to return to Africa. I even made African studies one of my concentrations at GW because of my love for this continent.
Thirdly, this program seems to have been tailor made to my passions and ambitions. While I get to practice my French, I also get to satisfy my linguistic side by learning Wolof (the more commonly used language in Senegal). Damay jáng wolof, français aada a cossanu Senegal. That means I study Wolof, French, Senegalese culture and history. One of my favorite things to do is being able to talk to one Senegalese in French, another in Wolof, another in English, and even another in Spanish! I do not accept that everyone can get by with only English anywhere. There is a certain etiquette that is required when one travels. Respecting the culture is not only encouraged, but in my opinion, necessary. This means trying local cuisine, learning the local language, and participating in local rituals and customs. This doesn’t mean it is easy by any means. I have certainly made some faux pas when greeting in Wolof, when eating Senegalese cuisine, and even when walking down the street, but that is okay. No one is going to fault you for trying.
To top it all off, my internship and volunteer opportunities this semester are beyond exciting. I get to work for an organization called P.A.R.I. who helps refugees find sustainable housing and jobs. Part of what I will be doing is interviewed refugees and capturing their victim statements. I will be fundraising for the organization as it is a non-profit and materials are expensive. CIEE is very supportive of our internships and even blocks Friday to be a day to dedicate to our internships so classes are not scheduled on that day. Giving back to the community is a big emphasis with CIEE so I will be also volunteering at a local orphanage one day a week. While I practice my Wolof and French I will be able to form connections to Senegalese culture and society.
Finally, yes, it has been a culture shock. Yes, I have been sick pretty much every day. Yes, the heat is inescapable. But as my dad tells me often, we always have a choice. When faced with something painful or difficult we can decide to pity ourselves and do nothing or we can do something and make a change. I am so excited to continue this journey despite the inevitable struggles and obstacles ahead because overcoming them will make this trip all the more memorable.
Ba beneen yoon!
Nos vemos pronto!
À la prochaine fois!
See you next time!
-Cami